Abstract: A drying apparatus 10 for casting machine 80, including tunnel 20 divided into first chamber 41 and second chamber 46 by barrier 35. Each chamber 41,46 includes gas inlet 50 connected to gas source 100 for introducing inert carrier gas into chamber 41,46 and gas outlet 60 connected to condenser 71 for removing carrier gas with dissolved solvent from chamber 41,46. Porous diffuser 55 and slotted cover 63 cooperate to maintain smooth plug flow of carrier gas in chamber 41,46. Carrier gas flow is parallel to movement of support strip 91 in first chamber 41 and counter to movement of strip 91 in second chamber 46. Slurry 102 is converted to gel in first chamber 41. Gel is dried to green tape in second chamber 46. Gas pump 76 and flowmeter 77 determine flow rate of carrier gas in chamber 41,46. Partial pressure of solvent vapor is near saturation in first chamber 41; cover heat means 37 prevents condensation of solvent vapor inside tunnel 20. Condenser 71 removes solvent vapor from carrier gas for reuse.